The most beautiful temple of Lampang, indeed, many would argue in the whole of north Thailand, is to be found in Ko Kha District, some twenty kilometres southwest of the city.
Wat Lampang Luang literally, the Great Temple of Lampang was originally a wiang, or fortified temple, protected by massive earthen ramparts. First established in Mon times, during the time of the Kingdom of Haripunchai, the tall central chedi is believed to contain a genuine Buddha relic and is widely revered by Thai people as a whole, as well as the Khon Muang in particular.
On important religious holidays, notably at Songkran (the traditional Thai new year) and at Loy Krathong, each November full moon, Wat Prathat Lampang Luang attracts huge crowds of devout worshippers both from Lampang and from more distant provinces. Particularly venerated is the Phra Kaeo Don Tao, a jasper Buddha image believed to be possessed of great mystic power.
In architectural terms, Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang is the most elegant and best preserved Lan Na temple to be found anywhere in the north. The central viharn, featuring a triple-tiered wooden roof supported my massive teak pillars, is thought to be the oldest wooden building in Thailand. Early 19th century murals from the Buddhist jatakas, or life stories, are painted on wooden panels within the viharn. The lintel over the main entrance to the compound is worthy of notice, featuring an impressive intertwined dragon relief once common in northern Thai temples, but rarely seen today.